Illuminating Malaria: Spectroscopy’s Vital Role in Diagnosis and Research
, John A. Adegoke 1, Thulya Chakkumpulakkal Puthan Veettil 1, Ankit Dodla 1,2, Keith Dias 1, Neha Mehlawat 1,3, Callum Gassner 1, Victoria Stock 1, Sarika Joshi 1,2, Magdalena Giergiel 1, Diana E. Bedolla 1,4 and Philip Heraud 1
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe review paper (spectroscj-3265258) highlights the significant role of spectroscopic techniques in malaria research, particularly in advancing diagnosis and treatment. The paper explores how various spectroscopic methods, from ultraviolet to far-infrared, have improved the identification of biomarkers and the development of diagnostic tools. The minimally invasive and accurate nature of these techniques has contributed to better detection and monitoring of malaria, offering hope for improving patient outcomes and supporting global eradication efforts.
The inclusion of numerous examples strengthens the article’s arguments and enhances its accessibility to readers. The discussion includes all essential aspects relevant to the topic, drafting a complete picture of the use of different spectroscopic techniques.
Overall, it offers valuable insights into how spectroscopy has improved malaria diagnosis and sets the stage for future developments in this crucial area of research.
Considering the above, I suggest minor revision. I solely have just minor comments, which could help the authors to make their article even clearer.
- The size and quality of some figures should be improved - as in current version it is hard to follow the details.
- Fig. 18 - the regression line plot (predicted vs. reference) should not be called a "PLS scores plot." The PLS scores plot typically refers to the plot of PLS scores (the projections of the samples onto the latent variables/components) and represents how the samples are positioned in the latent space. The predicted vs. reference plot shows model performance, comparing predicted values from the PLS model to the actual reference values, but it does not display PLS scores.
Author Response
The review paper (spectroscj-3265258) highlights the significant role of spectroscopic techniques in malaria research, particularly in advancing diagnosis and treatment. The paper explores how various spectroscopic methods, from ultraviolet to far-infrared, have improved the identification of biomarkers and the development of diagnostic tools. The minimally invasive and accurate nature of these techniques has contributed to better detection and monitoring of malaria, offering hope for improving patient outcomes and supporting global eradication efforts.
The inclusion of numerous examples strengthens the article’s arguments and enhances its accessibility to readers. The discussion includes all essential aspects relevant to the topic, drafting a complete picture of the use of different spectroscopic techniques.
Overall, it offers valuable insights into how spectroscopy has improved malaria diagnosis and sets the stage for future developments in this crucial area of research.
Considering the above, I suggest minor revision. I solely have just minor comments, which could help the authors to make their article even clearer.
- The size and quality of some figures should be improved - as in current version it is hard to follow the details.
- We have improved the quality of the Figures where possible
- Fig. 18 - the regression line plot (predicted vs. reference) should not be called a "PLS scores plot." The PLS scores plot typically refers to the plot of PLS scores (the projections of the samples onto the latent variables/components) and represents how the samples are positioned in the latent space. The predicted vs. reference plot shows model performance, comparing predicted values from the PLS model to the actual reference values, but it does not display PLS scores.
- Thank you we have replaced PLS scores with PLS prediction versus reference plot.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIn this manuscript(spectroscj-3265258), the authors highlight the multifaceted ways in which spectroscopy has contributed to the field of malaria research, with a particular emphasis on its impact on diagnostic advancements and drug research. I would like to recommend this manuscript to be published in spectroscopy journal after minor revisions.
Some detailed information needs to be clarified :
1) The paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3 seem too much like textbooks. They go into too much detail and could be trimmed down. You might also consider presenting them summarized in a table chart, etc.
2) Hemozoin and lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins do not appear to be juxtaposed. You may need to reclassify and reorganize the order of this manuscript.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageThe English could be improved to more clearly express the research
Author Response
In this manuscript(spectroscj-3265258), the authors highlight the multifaceted ways in which spectroscopy has contributed to the field of malaria research, with a particular emphasis on its impact on diagnostic advancements and drug research. I would like to recommend this manuscript to be published in spectroscopy journal after minor revisions.
Some detailed information needs to be clarified :
1) The paragraphs 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3 seem too much like textbooks. They go into too much detail and could be trimmed down. You might also consider presenting them summarized in a table chart, etc.
In our opinion these paragraphs are important form a diagnostic context in reference to hemozoin. 3.1.1 describes the history of the discovery, 3.1.2 discusses what other organisms produce the compound which is important in a diagnostic, while 3.3 discusses the location of hemozoin in humans, which is also very important n a diagnostic context especially in the context of non-invasive diagnosis.
2) Hemozoin and lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins do not appear to be juxtaposed. You may need to reclassify and reorganize the order of this manuscript.
We thank the author for his/her comment. We have added an introductory paragraph explaining that these molecules are the major biochemical markers for malaria infection and hence they need to be described in a diagnostic context.
We have improved the English in a number of areas.
